October TCAID: InFocus - IDS-TILDA Health Fair: Advancing Health Insights Through Objective Measurement

The IDS-TILDA Health Fair began its pilot phase in October, with full appointments commencing in early November. Running until mid-2026, the Health Fair is led by Professor Eilish Burke, with Jean Moynihan as Nurse Manager, Laura Hunt as Research Nurse, and Kieva Leslie providing administrative support.

The Health Fair forms an integral part of the Intellectual Disability Supplement to The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (IDS-TILDA), which explores the health, ageing, and wellbeing of adults with an intellectual disability in Ireland.

Background and Development

Objective health measures were first introduced in Wave 2 of the IDS-TILDA study in response to findings highlighting high levels of sedentary behaviour, obesity, and mental health conditions among participants. The introduction of physical assessments—collectively known as the Health Fair—proved highly successful, with over 85% of participants engaging in at least one objective measure.

Assessments were designed to be non-invasive, completed within 30 minutes, and carried out in participants’ homes, day services, or at service provider sites. Although data collection in Wave 4 was interrupted due to COVID-19, the Health Fair was successfully reinstated in Wave 5, with an expanded range of measures and over 500 participants (representing 70% of the IDS-TILDA cohort). Given the significant disruption to intellectual disability services during this period, the successful delivery of Wave 5 highlights the importance and resilience of IDS-TILDA as a research study.

While the Health Fair remains non-invasive and person-centred, it has continued to evolve. In Wave 5, a dedicated Health Fair assessment area was established, featuring a series of short nurse stations designed to minimise fatigue and ensure a comfortable experience for participants, even as assessment times lengthened to allow for a more comprehensive evaluation.

For Wave 6, the participant experience has been further enhanced through the redesign of the waiting area, creating a welcoming and engaging environment. New features include a television, sensory toys, and a bubble tube for relaxation, along with comfortable seating. A “Make Your Mark” map invites participants to show where they have travelled from to attend the Health Fair, and interactive activities encourage them to share more about themselves—such as their favourite local places or how they travelled to the centre.

The redesign was developed in consultation with Iara Faria Synnott, a trained occupational therapist, ensuring the space is both sensory-informed and inclusive. These enhancements reflect IDS-TILDA’s ongoing commitment to providing a high-quality, inclusive, and positive experience for all participants while maintaining its focus on comprehensive, person-centred health assessment.

Expanding the Scope in Wave 6

Building on the success of previous waves, the current Health Fair introduces several new and innovative measures that will enhance understanding of ageing, health, and wellbeing for people with an intellectual disability. The expansion of these measures reflects IDS-TILDA’s commitment to listening to expert advice and incorporating evidence-based innovations guided by clinical and research specialists.

New additions include:

• Gait Analysis – using the GaitKeeper app to assess mobility, balance, and fall risk.
• Echolight Bone Screening – a non-radiation method of assessing bone density through advanced ultrasound technology.
• Dried Blood Spot Collection – providing a minimally invasive way to identify early biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease.
• Gut and Oral Microbiome Sampling – generating data on digestive and oral health and their links to overall wellbeing.
• CAMCOG (Cambridge Cognitive Examination) – expanding the cognitive assessment suite for a more comprehensive neuropsychological profile.

These measures complement the existing suite of assessments, which include: Grip Strength, Timed Up and Go, Sit-to-Stand and Balance Assessment, Blood Pressure, Waist and Hip Circumference, Height and Weight, Mid-Upper Arm Circumference, Calf Measurement, Quantitative Heel Ultrasound, Oral Health Assessment, TSI and Brief Praxis, and Audiology Assessment.

Expert input has been central to this development. Dr Aisling O’Halloran, Assistant Professor in Health Research at Trinity College Dublin, is providing guidance on the gut microbiome component. Her expertise in biomarkers of ageing, frailty, and biological resilience is helping to ensure that the new sampling protocols are scientifically robust and aligned with international best practice. Dr Gary Moran, Assistant Professor in Microbiology at Trinity College Dublin, is advising on the oral microbiome element, drawing on his extensive research in oral infectious diseases and host–microbe interactions. Together, their contributions ensure that the expanded microbiome analyses are methodologically rigorous and clinically meaningful.

Participant Experience and Impact

Participants are supported throughout the assessment process, with clear explanations and guidance provided to ensure comfort and confidence with each procedure. The inclusion of these objective measures represents an important step in building a more complete picture of health among adults with an intellectual disability.

By combining objective data with self-reported information, the IDS-TILDA Health Fair contributes valuable evidence for understanding health risk factors, disease pathways, and ageing trajectories. The data gathered continues to inform policy development, service planning, and research, ensuring that the health needs of people ageing with an intellectual disability are better understood and addressed.

As Nurse Manager Jean Moynihan explains, “Each wave of the Health Fair brings new insights and opportunities to support the health and wellbeing of participants. Our focus remains on delivering high-quality, person-centred assessments that contribute to meaningful research and positive health outcomes.”

To complete their Trinity College Dublin experience, participants are invited to enjoy complimentary access to the Book of Kells Experience and lunch at The Buttery, along with a Certificate of Attendance recognising their valuable contribution. Many participants proudly showcase their certificates as a mark of their involvement in advancing research at Trinity.